A Michigan automotive company, Rivian Automotive, hopes to take over the former Mitsubishi plant in Normal, and employ as many as 1,000 people. The 2.4-million-square foot facility that at its peak employed about 3,000 workers was shut down by Mitsubishi in November of last year. The last of the automaker's employees were laid off in May.

This is a report on the economy of a little town with a big power plant. The nuclear power plant located near the small town of Clinton (population 7,225) will be around for at least another decade. Governor Bruce Rauner signed legislation Wednesday that subsidizes Exelon’s nuclear facilities, and prevents the Clinton and Quad-Cities nuclear plants from closing. Exelon says its Clinton plant has been a money-loser for some time. But it’s been a big part of the economy in Clinton and DeWitt County ever since initial construction began in the 1970s.

Governor Bruce Rauner has signed legislation providing billions of dollars in subsidies to Exelon to save two struggling nuclear plants saving 1400 jobs at the two facilities. The Future Energy Jobs Bill provides a $235 million annual subsidy to Exelon, and ensures the plants will stay open the next ten years.

On the 21st: University of Illinois researchers are teaching computers to imitate subtle human movements - like that of a music conductor. Plus, we discussed whether or not lawmakers will reach a budget agreement before Dec. 31, and the Chicago band Grandkids talked about their latest album.

On the 21st: We talked about the University of Illinois' decision not to declare its three locations sanctuary campuses. Plus, we talked with a Chicago poet, heard from a Danville protester who was at Standing Rock, and checked in with Santa Claus.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says the Jimmy John's sandwich chain has agreed to stop requiring low-level employees to sign agreements preventing them from seeking jobs with competitors. Madigan said in a news release Wednesday that the Champaign-based chain also agreed to inform its employees that previously signed agreements will not be enforced and to tell franchise owners to rescind any existing agreements.

A Champaign-based record label that preserves recordings from the acoustic era – that is, without the use of microphones - has picked up Grammy nominations for best historical album and best album notes. "Waxing the Gospel: Mass Evangelism and the Phonograph" also marks Archeophone Records’ first foray into sacred music.